MSG Free Classic Court Bouillon
Court bouillon is a classic French poaching liquid that transforms a handful of fresh vegetables, herbs, and aromatics into something genuinely magical — a fragrant, golden broth that elevates fish, shellfish, or vegetables to restaurant-quality results. Every ingredient here is whole and unprocessed, from the sliced carrots and celery to the fresh parsley and thyme, so there's no hidden flavor enhancers or additives to worry about. The combination of dry white wine, white wine vinegar, and a whole sliced lemon gives the liquid a bright, complex acidity that store-bought broths and seasoning packets simply can't replicate cleanly. As it simmers for 30 minutes, the kitchen fills with an herby, citrusy aroma that makes the whole process feel like a genuine cooking event. Once strained, the liquid is silky and clear — ready to use immediately or stashed in the freezer for whenever you need it. It's the kind of foundational recipe that makes everything you cook with it taste more intentional and refined.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 8 cups cold water
- 2 cups dry white wine
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
- 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
- 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced into rounds
- 4 sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- ½ tsp fennel seeds (optional)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- 1
Combine the water, white wine, and white wine vinegar in a large saucepan or Dutch oven.
- 2
Add the carrots, celery, onion, lemon slices, parsley sprigs, thyme sprigs, bay leaves, black peppercorns, fennel seeds (if using), and kosher salt.
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